Graveside service will be at 1pm Saturday at Crestwood Cemetery for Abner John "Buddy" Gupton, age 85 Ashville, who died Wednesday April 2, 2014. Dr. Gary Ashley will officiate. Crestwood Memorial Funeral will direct service.

Mr. Gupton was born and raised in Shoal Creek Valley. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the 11th Airborne Division as a glider rider. He was a member of the Ragland Masonic Lodge # 515. He was a longtime member of Immanuel Baptist and Brierwood Hills Baptist churches in Hokes Bluff, where he served as Sunday School teacher and Deacon.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Sue Jeffers Gupton; son Johnny Gupton; daughter Kym Gupton; parents John and Eva Gupton; and brothers Robert and Charles Gupton.

He is survived by his daughter Toby Ford of Southside; grandchildren James and Frank Ford of Nashville, TN; sisters Clara Connell, Lorene Walker; Brothers David(Beverly) Gupton and Joe (Joyce) Gupton; brothers and sisters in law: Grady and Charlotte Edwards and Bill and Debbie Jeffers; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his special pets Bingo and General Patton. Due to his outgoing personality he had many friends and caring neighbors.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shoal Creek Fire Department.

Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and Dr. Jotani and his staff.

There will be no visitation, the family will meet at the cemetery for the service.